Scotland to strike for climate action

Workplaces and schools around the country are set to grind to a halt tomorrow to call for action on climate change.

Tomorrow (Friday 20 September), thousands of people are expected to take to the streets across Scotland as part of the Global Climate Strike. More than 200 events are planned in the UK with over 2,500 organised worldwide.

The mobilisations in Scotland have been organised by Scottish Youth Climate Strike, the Scottish branch of the international Fridays For Future movement started by 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

There will be major marches in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and demonstrations in many other locations around Scotland including Inverness, Fort William and Lerwick in Shetland. The strikes in Scotland have been supported by charities, NGOs, companies, unions and public bodies, many of which will be allowing their staff to join the marches on Friday.

Dylan Hamilton, a 15-year-old organiser with Scottish Youth Climate Strike, said: “We need to stop the emissions of greenhouse gases, we’re running out of time and the crisis is only getting worse.

“Millions of young people have been striking from school over the past few months and pushing this issue into the spotlight. Now it is time for adults to join their children on the streets, and demand the necessary climate action from the government.

“The climate crisis will affect billions of people for generations to come, which is why we need everybody to strike.”

The Edinburgh march will meet on Middle Meadow Walk from 11am and the march will begin at 11.30am. It will process up George IV Bridge and down the Royal Mile heading to Holyrood where there will be a rally with speeches and performers from 1pm until 4.30pm.

In Glasgow, participants will meet in Kelvingrove Park at 11am and the march will begin at 11.30am. It will march to George Square where there will be a rally with speeches and performers until 5pm.

Similar events will also take place in Aberdeen, Crieff, Dundee, Inverness, Fort William, St Andrews, Ullapool, Lochgilphead, Lerwick, Striling and Perth. Full details are available on the climate strike website.

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.